I have been perusing the new members area lately, as well as some random threads strewn about other forums. I am seeing some trends and thought I would share my experience as a fairly new vaper in hopes of helping the ever growing number of new people we're accumulating.
I found the ECF in September (thank the gods!) and started reading.
And reading, and reading, and... you get it.
I understand your excitement. And being human, we want everything NOW. Especially when we see a light at the end of the tar infested tunnel of analog cigarette smoking. But all good things come to those that wait. And to those that are willing to do the work required.
It is much easier to stop at a 7-11, buy a pack of smokes, pack em down a bit, pull off the cellophane and light up. That's it. You're done. But with that convenience comes 49+ carcinogens, around 5,000 chemicals, and now... carpet glue? Think about this every time you take a smelly drag off an analog. Don't you think it's worth it to you, your family, friends, loved ones, people walking by you, to do whatever it takes to get off them? And we're not even going to talk about how much they cost now!
I will admit that there is a lot of information here. It is getting to the point that we will need the college professors in the vaping community to work up a curriculum even beyond http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...strated-guide-e-cigs-parts-1-through-6-a.html already available here
(you have read this, right Mr./Ms. Newbie?)
Give yourself a break and some time to adapt. This is a life changing decision and commitment you're making. Anything worthwhile is worth working at. E-cigs are not as simple as burning tobacco. You cannot expect to know everything in your first day.
That said, let me save you some time in your searches and question asking. Here are some pointers I think may be helpful. Remember, this is just my opinion, YMMV.
Taste
Taste is subjective. Don't ask people what flavor you should buy. You can ask opinions on flavors and expect as many response as there are posts. Reading and experimenting is really the only way you'll ever find out.
Research
Again, we're back to the reading thing. Any investment of your time and money should be well thought out and prepared for. I know my money is tight so anything I spend needs to be researched.
Type of PV
Here again, this comes to personal choice. Are you looking for a cigarette clone? Do you care if it looks like the end of a flashlight or an auto part? Do you want flashy lights, no lights? There are so many options it can be overwhelming.
The best thing to do is try one of the packages that any of our sponsored suppliers offer and take your time with it. My first package was Vapor King from Vapor4Life. It's a 2 piece and is easier to use to get the hang of vaping. Now I'm using a 901 atty and cart with blue foam and like the control of this much better. It's more "crafty" and hands on.
Tips
- Do NOT buy anything from a mall kiosk or the radio. Period.
- See if there is a local group in your area here: Social Group Forums - e-cigarette-forum.com • The place for electronic cigarette reviews, news and chat
I can't tell you how wonderful it's been for me to have Hellen and the gang to meet with. I've learned so much from them and have had a great time in the process! *kiss noise to my fellow VIPers*
- Watch videos. There are many videos available on this site with how to's, reviews, etc. Even if you don't like the item, or what they're doing, seeing is always the best way to get a better idea of how this all works.
- Remember that no matter what flavor you buy or what device you settle on, you will never be "smoking" like you did. These hit differently. And as you vape longer and longer without cigarettes, and get better and better at maintaining your equipment, your tastes will change.
I was convinced [and stubbornly determined] that I was going to find the exact equivalent of my beloved Camel No. 9 pinks in liquid form. I tried several "tobacco" flavors and found them all to taste like bathroom deodorizer at first. It was horrid. But I kept at it. I never picked up another cigarette from the first day after opening my kit.
I now have my favorite flavors, and to my surprise they are all on the fruity side. Would I have wanted a fruity tasting cigarette? Of course not! But vaping is much different than smoking. We are all doing this because we liked smoking but hated cigarettes and the health risks.
Now I have my hand to mouth addiction covered, can control how much nicotine I get, and can enjoy swirls of cool water vapor that make analog smokers come over with wide eyes asking what that thing is I have.
I can't tell you how incredible it is to not smell like smoke anymore. How wonderful it is to get up in the morning and go to my sink and not have to hork up a chunk 'o lung. I've even noticed a change in my skin, which I wasn't expecting.
But everyone's different. Some of us can quit the first day. Some of you may still need to smoke and gradually quit. Just don't give up. Keep reading. If reading can save your life, don't you think it's worth it? And yes, ask questions, by all means. Just try and find a thread that's already on the topic you have questions about. We are growing so fast now that the admins are scrambling to keep all the information tidy and easy to access so the new members to the fold can find it easier.
So, remember:
Patience
Research
Watch videos
Use trusted suppliers
Absolutely read through opinions on product - if someone's testimonial rings with you, go with your gut
Find samples of liquids to try.
Get a solid performing PV, be it 2 piece or 3. Learn how to maintain them.
Check the threads on how to clean your attys and pick a filler mod that sounds like good sense to you.
You'll see - in no time you'll be doing all this like a habit. But what a great habit it will be and how much better you're going to feel doing it.
Hang in there! Read, read, read. And most importantly... vape on!
I found the ECF in September (thank the gods!) and started reading.
And reading, and reading, and... you get it.
I understand your excitement. And being human, we want everything NOW. Especially when we see a light at the end of the tar infested tunnel of analog cigarette smoking. But all good things come to those that wait. And to those that are willing to do the work required.
It is much easier to stop at a 7-11, buy a pack of smokes, pack em down a bit, pull off the cellophane and light up. That's it. You're done. But with that convenience comes 49+ carcinogens, around 5,000 chemicals, and now... carpet glue? Think about this every time you take a smelly drag off an analog. Don't you think it's worth it to you, your family, friends, loved ones, people walking by you, to do whatever it takes to get off them? And we're not even going to talk about how much they cost now!
I will admit that there is a lot of information here. It is getting to the point that we will need the college professors in the vaping community to work up a curriculum even beyond http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...strated-guide-e-cigs-parts-1-through-6-a.html already available here
(you have read this, right Mr./Ms. Newbie?)Give yourself a break and some time to adapt. This is a life changing decision and commitment you're making. Anything worthwhile is worth working at. E-cigs are not as simple as burning tobacco. You cannot expect to know everything in your first day.
That said, let me save you some time in your searches and question asking. Here are some pointers I think may be helpful. Remember, this is just my opinion, YMMV.
Taste
Taste is subjective. Don't ask people what flavor you should buy. You can ask opinions on flavors and expect as many response as there are posts. Reading and experimenting is really the only way you'll ever find out.
Research
Again, we're back to the reading thing. Any investment of your time and money should be well thought out and prepared for. I know my money is tight so anything I spend needs to be researched.
Type of PV
Here again, this comes to personal choice. Are you looking for a cigarette clone? Do you care if it looks like the end of a flashlight or an auto part? Do you want flashy lights, no lights? There are so many options it can be overwhelming.
The best thing to do is try one of the packages that any of our sponsored suppliers offer and take your time with it. My first package was Vapor King from Vapor4Life. It's a 2 piece and is easier to use to get the hang of vaping. Now I'm using a 901 atty and cart with blue foam and like the control of this much better. It's more "crafty" and hands on.
Tips
- Do NOT buy anything from a mall kiosk or the radio. Period.
- See if there is a local group in your area here: Social Group Forums - e-cigarette-forum.com • The place for electronic cigarette reviews, news and chat
I can't tell you how wonderful it's been for me to have Hellen and the gang to meet with. I've learned so much from them and have had a great time in the process! *kiss noise to my fellow VIPers*
- Watch videos. There are many videos available on this site with how to's, reviews, etc. Even if you don't like the item, or what they're doing, seeing is always the best way to get a better idea of how this all works.
- Remember that no matter what flavor you buy or what device you settle on, you will never be "smoking" like you did. These hit differently. And as you vape longer and longer without cigarettes, and get better and better at maintaining your equipment, your tastes will change.
I was convinced [and stubbornly determined] that I was going to find the exact equivalent of my beloved Camel No. 9 pinks in liquid form. I tried several "tobacco" flavors and found them all to taste like bathroom deodorizer at first. It was horrid. But I kept at it. I never picked up another cigarette from the first day after opening my kit.
I now have my favorite flavors, and to my surprise they are all on the fruity side. Would I have wanted a fruity tasting cigarette? Of course not! But vaping is much different than smoking. We are all doing this because we liked smoking but hated cigarettes and the health risks.
Now I have my hand to mouth addiction covered, can control how much nicotine I get, and can enjoy swirls of cool water vapor that make analog smokers come over with wide eyes asking what that thing is I have.
I can't tell you how incredible it is to not smell like smoke anymore. How wonderful it is to get up in the morning and go to my sink and not have to hork up a chunk 'o lung. I've even noticed a change in my skin, which I wasn't expecting.
But everyone's different. Some of us can quit the first day. Some of you may still need to smoke and gradually quit. Just don't give up. Keep reading. If reading can save your life, don't you think it's worth it? And yes, ask questions, by all means. Just try and find a thread that's already on the topic you have questions about. We are growing so fast now that the admins are scrambling to keep all the information tidy and easy to access so the new members to the fold can find it easier.
So, remember:
Patience
Research
Watch videos
Use trusted suppliers
Absolutely read through opinions on product - if someone's testimonial rings with you, go with your gut
Find samples of liquids to try.
Get a solid performing PV, be it 2 piece or 3. Learn how to maintain them.
Check the threads on how to clean your attys and pick a filler mod that sounds like good sense to you.
You'll see - in no time you'll be doing all this like a habit. But what a great habit it will be and how much better you're going to feel doing it.
Hang in there! Read, read, read. And most importantly... vape on!
